FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Takk is back.
For the first time since the 2017 season ended, Takkarist McKinley was back practicing with the rest of his teammates as the Falcons 2018 AT&T Training Camp kicked off Friday morning. McKinley underwent shoulder surgery this offseason and was unable to participate in any on-field work with his teammates.
According to McKinley, he has no limitations and is feeling as good as ever. Since the Falcons drafted him in the first round of the 2017 draft, shoulder injuries have hindered McKinley's ability to participate in any of the offseason programs.
That hasn't slowed McKinley's progression, though.
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In his first season with Falcons, McKinley recorded six sacks – fourth-most of any rookie in the league.
McKinley believes the fact that he is entering the season at full strength will be huge for him in terms of what he thinks he can bring to the team.
"It's my first time since sophomore year having two good shoulders," McKinley said. "I've always been playing with a bad shoulder these last few seasons so to have two healthy shoulders going into the season it feels great."
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn also expressed his excitement to have McKinley healthy, mainly because of the progress he thinks a player can make from their rookie season to Year 2.
"To have no limitations on his development I think is really important," Quinn said. "Not just from conditioning and technique work but just the whole scheme and plan."
As for what McKinley wants to make sure he does in his second year? That's an easy one.
"I just want some more sacks, man. I want more sacks. It is as simple as that."
